October 6, 2023—(BRONX, NY)—Elizabeth Kitsis, M.D., MBE, a rheumatologist, professor of medicine and vice chair for faculty affairs in the department of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, has been appointed inaugural senior associate dean for faculty affairs and strategic planning.
![Elizabeth A. Kitsis, M.D.]()
Elizabeth A. Kitsis, M.D.
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“In her new role, Dr. Kitsis will support Einstein’s diverse faculty in all aspects of professional development and well-being, including oversight of faculty appointments and promotions, annual evaluations, and faculty mentoring,” said Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein. “Importantly, she will lead our strategic planning process to ensure the College of Medicine continues its mission of excellence in providing medical and graduate education and scientific research that enhances human health in the Bronx and beyond.”
Prior to assuming this new position, Dr. Kitsis oversaw the appointment, promotion, and credentialing of over 700 faculty. She led the development of the department of medicine’s strategic plan, and led the creation of the department’s Physician Awards program, Faculty Scholars program, professional development reviews, well-being initiative, and GRANDMED speaker program. She also co-founded the department of medicine’s Junior Faculty Mentoring program.
“Dr. Kitsis has demonstrated her deep commitment and ability to execute numerous positive initiatives in the department and medicine, and will be the driving force for vital new planning advances on behalf of the entire College of Medicine,” said Dr. Tomer.
Dr. Kitsis joined Montefiore Einstein in 2008 as director of bioethics education. She expanded the medical school’s bioethics curriculum, served as course director for Bioethics 1 and Bioethics 2, introduced Clerkship Ethics into the Internal Medicine clerkship, and taught Research Ethics and Pharmaceutical Ethics for the master of bioethics program. She also introduced the creation of the medical student oath during orientation, a program that is still used today. She was appointed associate chair for faculty affairs in the DOM in 2014 and was promoted to vice chair in 2016.
Dr. Kitsis has demonstrated her deep commitment and ability to execute numerous positive initiatives in the department and medicine, and will be the driving force for vital new planning advances on behalf of the entire College of Medicine.
Dean Yaron Tomer, M.D.
Prior to joining Montefiore Einstein, Dr. Kitsis worked in the pharmaceutical industry for a decade. She held several roles at Pfizer Inc., including vice president, medical affairs for pain & neurology, and vice president, worldwide development for pain & inflammation, oncology and diversified products. She earned a master of bioethics degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Dr. Kitsis earned her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College, completed an internal medicine residency at Boston City Hospital, and a rheumatology fellowship at New York University (NYU) Medical Center, where she was also chief fellow. While on the faculty at NYU, Dr. Kitsis was director of clinical research in rheumatology.